News Summary
Wynne Boliek, a high school teacher, was fired following her social media remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death, sparking backlash and an investigation by the school district.
Greenville
Wynne Boliek, a teacher of world history, civics, and government/economics at Southside High School, was terminated from the Greenville County School District following a controversial social media post about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk was killed in a shooting incident at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
Boliek’s social media statement, published shortly after Kirk’s death, expressed condolences for Kirk’s children but included a remark stating that “America became greater today.” This post was not explicitly connected to Kirk’s assassination but drew significant attention and backlash after being shared on social media platforms. The post was widely publicized via screenshots on an X account on September 11.
In response to the uproar, a spokesperson for Greenville County School District announced on September 11 that Boliek would be placed on administrative leave pending an investigation due to the “inappropriate message.” The district later confirmed that the investigation concluded, and Boliek was no longer employed by the district.
Officials from the school district condemned Boliek’s message, asserting that it did not align with the professional standards expected of employees and reaffirming their commitment to maintaining respect within the community. Social media reactions also came swiftly, with several members of Congress, including U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, criticizing Boliek’s remarks. Mace expressed her satisfaction with the district’s decision to terminate Boliek, highlighting that individuals who celebrate the loss of life should not work with children.
U.S. Representative William Timmons also weighed in, labeling the post as “vile, hateful, and dangerous,” and demanded Boliek’s immediate termination. The district’s guidelines stipulate that staff members are expected to maintain a high level of personal character and act as positive role models for their students and the wider community.
The South Carolina Freedom Caucus joined the call for Boliek’s removal, urging that immediate action be taken and encouraging parents to attend school board meetings to voice their concerns. This incident has prompted a broader discussion among educators and lawmakers about the responsibilities of teachers in addressing political violence and their social media conduct.
While bolstering the debate, the school district has not clarified whether Boliek’s departure is considered a formal termination or a resignation. School Board Member Lynda Leventis-Wells indicated support for the revocation of Boliek’s teaching certificate in South Carolina as an additional measure against such conduct.
This incident raises significant questions about how educators should navigate discussions involving political tragedies in the classroom and how they present themselves on social platforms. As the situation continues to develop, it reflects ongoing national concerns regarding political expression and its implications in educational settings.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Charlie Kirk
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Charlie Kirk
- Greenville Journal
- Google Scholar: Charlie Kirk investigation
- WYFF4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlie Kirk
- Fox Carolina
- Google News: Charlie Kirk teacher incident
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